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WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman John Garamendi (CA-03) yesterday joined Congressmen Jerry McNerney (CA-09) and Ami Bera (CA-07) in introducing legislation that would prohibit FY 2015 federal funds from being used for California’s Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), which includes the twin tunnels boondoggle. The State Administration has requested $4 billion to help implement the BDCP.

“California’s woefully inadequate water infrastructure definitely needs more federal investment, but the twin tunnels are a boondoggle and poor use of taxpayer dollars. Investments in water conservation, recycling, and storage are needed across the state. Instead of reigniting the California water war, let’s build consensus and invest in the priorities that create more reliable water for the entire state. We can increase supply without destroying the Delta or undermining water rights,” said Congressman Garamendi, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The BDCP includes a proposal for two 33 foot-wide, 35 mile-long tunnels that would divert 112,207 gallons of water per second from the Delta and send it south. Just two weeks ago, the state delayed the plan’s implementation due to concerns from the federal government about the environmental and economic impact of the tunnels, including the potential for salt water intrusion. Both the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA raised objections to the BDCP’s assumptions and called for major changes to the plan.

The BDCP is estimated to cost $25 billion, but analyses by independent groups show that the final expense could be more than $64 billion.

Congressman Garamendi is the author of A Water Plan for All California, a comprehensive water strategy that invests in water conservation, recycling, and storage, makes needed levee improvements, protects senior water rights, preserves the Delta, and relies on a science-driven process.